Bolivia reports imported Zika case via Brazil

The Departmental Health Service of Santa Cruz in Bolivia reported the first case of Zika infection in the country, according to an El Dia report (computer translated). Health officials note that the case is considered imported and the patient contracted the virus while in Matto Grosso State, Brazil.

Bolivia Image/CIA World Factbook

The woman of 58 years who spent several days in the Brazilian city of Cuiaba returned to Santa Cruz with common symptoms of Zika to include headache, fever, joint pain and blotchy skin. Laboratory testing has confirmed Zika virus.

Director del Servicio Departamental de Salud (SEDES), Joaquin Monasterio expressed concern because the rainy season is ripe for the proliferation of mosquitoes and is advising the population to take all preventive measures such as eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, preventing bites by using repellent on your skin and using bed nets.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), 13 countries or territories in the Americas reported locally acquired Zika infection to include: